Do you have any of these risk factors? Screenings offered at Community Health Fair

SHOULD I GET CHECKED? If you have any of these risk factors, you may need a vascular screening:

Risk factors for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

— Age over 60 years

— Family history of AAA

— Smoking history

— High blood pressure

Risk Factors for a Carotid Artery Stenosis (Stroke)

— High blood pressure

— Diabetes

— Smoking history

— High cholesterol levels

— Family history of stroke

— Prior stroke

— Irregular heartbeats, particularly atrial fibrillation

— Severe circulatory problems in other areas

— Heart disease

Risk Factors for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

— High blood pressure

— Diabetes

— Smoking

— High cholesterol levels

—Family history of PAD

— Heart disease

— Also: muscle pain in the legs when walking or exercising can be a symptom of PAD

Information provided by the Fayette County Memorial Hospital

Health screenings will be offered again this year at the 27th-annual Community Health Fair Family Fun Day. The health fair is Saturday, April 29.

The health fair is a collaborative effort of Fayette County health providers and agencies. The purpose of the health fair is to provide families with screenings to be better informed about their health and to get the treatment that they need to prevent and treat disease and illness.

The location of the health fair this year will be at Grace Community Church on Glenn Avenue in Washington C.H. The event is scheduled to run between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Vascular screenings will check for abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid artery stenosis (stroke risk), and peripheral arterial disease will be provided at the health fair, but the Fayette County Memorial Hospital is extending its schedule for those who are interested in having a screening.

An appointment is necessary due to the high demand for the testing last year. To accommodate all of those interested, appointments for screenings will continue into the first week of May following the health fair. Those appointments will be offered at the hospital.

“The appointments filled up so quickly last year that we have extended the schedule,” said Cheryl Royster, health fair chair member. “If you are interested in this screening, please call to schedule your appointment as soon as possible.”

Royster, the Fayette County Memorial Hospital social services director, said appointments can be made now by calling her at 740-333-2945. The screenings are regularly priced at $150 but are being offered for $75. The $75 fee is payable by check or cash at the time of service.

The Fayette County Memorial Hospital’s information about the vascular screenings may help to determine if you need to have a screening:

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) — The aorta is the largest artery in the body, supplying blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs. An abnormal enlargement of the aorta caused by weakening of the arterial wall is called an aneurysm. A large aneurysm in this artery can rupture, which is often fatal. For the abdominal aortic screening we ask that you fast for six hours prior to your test, and eat a light meal the night before. You may take your medications with water.

Carotid Artery Stenosis (Stroke Risk) — The carotid arteries are the main blood supply lines to the brain. Build-up of a fatty substance called plaque can partially or completely block these arteries. This blockage, if severe, can significantly increase the risk of stroke. For the carotid artery test there is no preparation needed, just wear a loose open-collar shirt or blouse.

For the AAA and Carotid Artery screening tests you will lie on your back on an exam table. The Vascular Sonographer will apply a small amount of clear gel to your abdomen and/or neck. An ultrasound transducer is moved painlessly over the area to acquire images and assess blood flow.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) — Arterial blockage from plaque can also develop in the arteries of the legs resulting in reduced blood flow. This can affect the ability to walk and, if severe enough, could result in a risk of amputation.

For this test you will lie on your back on an exam table. The Vascular Sonographer will use blood pressure cuffs and a special Doppler ultrasound transducer to measure the pressures in each arm, and in the arteries of both ankles. A mathematical calculation of these pressures will suggest the presence or absence of significant arterial blockage.

Read the Record-Herald for more health fair information in the upcoming weeks.